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Maheswari Silk Cotton Sarees

Maheshwar is known for its exquisite and finely woven silk cotton sarees. Light weight, shiny lustre, and a fine display of colours, with brilliant motifs, an attractive Pallu and a border to match. The saree is known for its brilliant display of stripes, checks and exquisite floral borders with complementary contrast borders and tantalizing wide zari borders.

Rani Ahilyabai Holkar was instrumental in the innovation of the design for the Modern Day industrialization had at one time threatened the existence of the designer Maheshwari cotton Sarees. A descendant of the Holkars came as a God-send and the Rehwa Society was established in 1978, primarily for employment to women and encouraging the revival of this ethnic art. Located in a historic building of the town, more than 100 weavers, mostly women, are engaged in the weaving of this fine fabric. Their families get the much needed monetary aid and support services like healthcare from this mutually beneficial association.

The Pallu is particularly noted for the colourful stripes in varied colours such as green, pink, magenta, mauve, violet etc. which lend the fabric a mesmerising look. The border is also adorned by trendy designs and themes such as the Maheshwar fort and related objects. Some of the popular patterns in use even today are that of mat, Chameli flower, brick and diamond. Though worn for exclusive events it it also serves for a variety of occasions. Once aimed at export markets and regal clientele, the use of silver zari made it affordable and widely popular even in domestic markets.